Nancy Tutunjian Brings Song and Faith to Community

Her voice is a natural fit for jazz and cabaret styles. She grew up listening to the sounds of Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn.

Ironically, Tutunjian’s first community theater role was with the Wellesley Players back in 1982 as Marsinah in “Kismet.” This was her second “Fiddler” production, having played daughter Hodel several years ago while in college.

Other credits include Dot in “Sunday in the Park With George,” Baker’s Wife in “Into the Woods,” Lili in “Carnival,” Agnes in “Agnes of God,” Mabel in “Pirates of Penzance,” Sister Sarah in “Guys and Dolls,” and Dolly Levi in “Hello Dolly.”

“When I auditioned in college for ‘Fiddler,’ I wanted to play Golde and was disappointed to be cast as Hodel,” said Tutunjian reflectively. “This time, nearly 30 years later, I was wistfully watching the younger girls and thinking I could play that role again. But Golde was an exhilarating experience. Many people commented on how real my interpretation was.”

Born, raised and educated in Watertown, Tutunjian resides here with Richard Berber, her husband of 11 years.

She holds an associate’s degree in business from Massachusetts Bay Community College.

Over the years, she has worked as a bank secretary, hospital unit coordinator, phlebotomist, medical assistant and now, part-time inside the bursar’s office at Northeastern University which allows her time to pursue her musical career.

“According to my mom (Ann), I was singing before I could talk and could hold a melody with her,” she notes. “Whatever voice or music talent I have is God-given and I try to be a responsible steward of it. My husband is my biggest cheerleader and accompanies me to most of my gigs. He’s also a very good sound technician.”

A born-again Christian, Tutunjian gathered some folks from First Armenian Church and began jazz cabaret nights for charity. The Benevolence Committee sponsors 12 children in Armenia and the Middle East through the Armenian-American Missionary Association. They receive food, clothing, school supplies and other necessities.

Among fellow performers at the church is jazz guitarist John Baboian. It’s been four years and the group raises between $600-$1,000 annually for the church.

“What makes Nancy special is that while she’s the consummate performer, she is more obvious your sister in Christ,” praised First Armenian pastor, Rev. Gregory Haroutunian. “She gives the Holy Spirit the freedom to guide and inspire her, beckoning the rest of us to join along.”

Tutunjian also attributes her success to her late dad, Ralph, and nothing appeared more difficult than to sing at the funerals of her parents. A sister, Judy, and her family are regular fans.

Off stage and away from the recording studio, one can find Tutunjian involved with gardening, particularly hybrid tea roses, biking, golf, cooking,  hiking and cross-country skiing. She also teaches two Bible Study sessions. One group has been with her 14 years.

As to the future, only God knows. Tutunjian will keep going until she drops. There’s no business like show business and she approaches every day with a fresh challenge.

“It’s all in God’s timing,” she said.

Check out her website at www.ntbmusic.net.